Discourses, About Freedom — In Plain English

Epictetus — The Slave

What do you mean? When you want your body to be whole and healthy, is that up to you or not? It's not up to me. When you want it to be healthy? That's not up to me either. When you want it to be attractive? That's not up to me. Life or death? That's not up to me either. Your body belongs to someone else, then — to anyone stronger than you. That's right. But your property — can you have it when you want, for as long as you want, exactly how you want it? No. What about your slaves? No. Your clothes? No. Your house? No. Your horses? None of these things. And if you desperately want your children to live, or your wife, or your brother, or your friends — is that up to you? That's not up to me either.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

What do you mean? When you wish the body to be entire (sound) is it in your power or not? It is not in my power. When you wish it to be healthy? Neither is this in my power. When you wish it to be handsome? Nor is this. Life or death? Neither is this in my power. Your body then is another's, subject to every man who is stronger than yourself. It is. But your estate is it in your power to have it when you please, and as long as you please, and such as you please? No. And your slaves? No. And your clothes? No. And your house? No. And your horses? Not one of these things. And if you wish by all means your children to live, or your wife, or your brother, or your friends, is it in your power? This also is not in my power.